Data reproducing machine



Dec. 10, 1940- A. H. DICKINSKON rAL 2224,7635

DATA REPRODUCING MACHINE Filed June 16, 1939 11 Sheets-Sheet 1 4 II I I05] [20 Dec, 10, I940. A. H. DICKINSON' ETAL 2224,7633

DATA REPRODUCING MACHINE File d June 16, 1959 11 Sheets-Sheet 2 mum:

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AuH. DICKINSON ETAL DAT A REPRODUCING MACHINE Filed June 16, 1939.

Dec. 10, 1940. A. H. DICKINSON ETAL 2224,7613

DATA REPRODUCING MACHINE Filed June 16, 1939 I 11 Sheets-Sheet 4 Dec. 10, 1940- A. H. lcKlNspN ET AL 2224,7613

DATA REPRODUCING MACHINE.

Filed June 16, 1939 ll Sheets-Sheet 5 Fig.5.

Dec. 10, 1940. A. H. DICKINSON ET AL 2,224,763

V DATA REPRODUCING MACHINE Fiied June 16, 19:59

11 Sheets-Sheet 6 CONTACTS 15A.

' -n BRUSHES |1 CONTACT5 BRUSHES 11 CONTACTS ATTORN EY Dec. 10, 1940- A. DICKINSON ET AL Q 22 DATA REPRODUCING MACHINE Filed June 16, 1939, ll SheetsSb.eet:7

ATTORNEY Dec. 1940- A. H. DICKINSON ET AL 363 DATA REPRODUCING MACHINE Filed June 16, 1939 .1 Sheets-Sheet 8 TiablV/ill/ v INVENT R5 AT'TORNEY Dec. 10, 1940- A. H. DICKINSON ETAL 2.2243

DATA REPRODUCING MACHINE ll Sheets-Sheet 9 Filed June 16, 1939 |5 3 \1 5 wm S l 7 1 4 U M v a M H Q WW 6 H, m V D, 1 o W m qvc K A0 7 m 3 Hm v. K A? 5 q x Dec. 10, 1940- A. H. DICKINSON HAL 2 3 DATA REPRODUCING momma Filed June 16, 1959 l1 Sheets-Sheet 1o ATTORNEY FZ/ 21b $1M BY A. H. DIQKINSON ET AL 2.224,763

DATA REPRODUCING MACHINE Dec. 10, 1940.

11 Sheet-Sheet 11 Filed June 16, 1939 i .1 CI. T-E M M fwd ATTORNEY VENTO s Patented Dec. 10, 1940 UNITED STATES DATA REPRODUCIN G MACHINE Arthur H. Dickinson, Scarsdale, and Robert I.

Roth, Valley Stream, N. Y., assignors to International Business Machines Corp., New York, N. Y., a corporation of New York Application June 16, 1939, Serial No. 279,505

13 Claims.

This invention relates to a data reproducing machine and more particularly to a machine capable of reproducing coded data representations from one type of carrying medium to another and different type of carrying medium. The present invention is an improvement of applicants copending application Serial No. 275,503 filed June 16, 1939.

The data carrying mediums may be of the types, or forms, suitably adapted for the automatic control of well-known types of machines, such as, statistical machines, typewriting machines, or the like. For example, in mechanized accounting systems, employing various types of known statistical machines, record cards, having data representations disposed thereon, are used for controlling the operations of the machines on the other type of records, or vice versa.

used in such systems; when utilizing the wellknown Hollerith type of statistical card, the data representations usually are in the forms of perforations, which are formed at different columnar index point positions. The codes employed may be of different types, such as the combinational perforation code system, or single perforation code system.

It has been suggested to employ different types of control records other than the perforated record cards, for controlling the machines referred to, for example, one type suggested being a record medium having a layer of light sensitive emulsion disposed thereon which, when exposed to suitable recording mechanisms, and properly conditioned, is adapted to bear the data representations inthe form of imperforate control spots disposed in various code positions thereon. These control spots, or index points, may then serve as light modifying or modulating areas for controlling the statistical or other operations of the machines.

It has been found that, when it is desired to employ such machines controlled by different types of control records provision must be made, whereby the data representations carried by one type of records can be reproduced, and formed To simplify the description to follow, the illustration and disclosure thereof, will be limited to suitable mechanism which may be conditioned, whereby the data representations, in the form of coded perforations, on a record control card, can be reproduced on a photographic control record, in the form of diiferentially positioned control spots, or vice versa. These features broadly are shown and claimed in the said co-pending applica: tion.

In addition to the described features, the present invention proposes the provision of additional control mechanism, whereby a plurality of record recording operations may be effected, in accordance with the data disposed on a single record medium. For example, it may be desired to record the data other than the control number of repeat operations, which is disposed on one type of record medium (record card), a plurality of times upon another type of record medium (photographic film record). In such cases, whenever the machine is conditioned to reproduce a plurality of film frames from each record card, and in accordance with the data disposed thereon, each record card is considered a master card, and each record may have-a control number disposed thereon, in a certain field, indicating the number of film frames that are to be reproduced from it. In these cases, the number of film frames reproduced from each card will be in accordance with the number disposed thereon.

Specifically, one method, of effecting such operations, will be shown to comprise sensing the control number, indicating the number of film frames to be reproduced, and storing this number in suitable means, such as stepping relays, which in turn, control the reproduction of the number of film frames accordingly. Upon sensing the data to be reproduced, this data is recorded upon the first film frame, and simultaneously, entered into storing devices, such as stepping relays. .Card feeding operations are now.

discontinued, until the data from the card has been reproduced on the film frames, the number of film frames being determined by the control number on the card. During this-reproducing operation, the data reproduced is obtained from the storage devices. Each film frame is counted, as it is reproduced, and, when the predetermined number has been reproduced, control elements are called into operation to discontinue further recording operations momentarily, clear the settings of the storing devices, and cause a new record card to be presented to the machine for reproducing other film frames, in accordance with the data disposed on the new record card, in the manner just outlined. a

The machine can also be conditioned to reproduce the data, sensed from the individual frames of the photographic film record, upon any desired number of record cards. The steps to effect this type of recording are similar to the ones outlined in connection with film recording from the record cards, and need not be repeated at this time.

One of the objects of the present invention, therefore, resides in the provision of control means for controlling a predetermined number of data reproducing operations upon one type of record medium, in accordance with the data sensed on another type of record medium.

Another object of the present invention resides in the provision of means for reproducing a number of records, in accordance with the data disposed on asingle record, the number of records to be reproduced indicated, and determined by the said single record, the said reproduced record differing in type from the said single record.

Anotherobject of the present invention resides in the provision of means, whereby a number of records are reproduced from a single record, and storing, electrically, the data to be reproduced for controlling the data reproduction operations.

Another object of this invention is to provide means for sensing the number of records to be reproduced, in accordance with predetermined data, storing the sensed number, and counting the number of reproducing operations, so as to cease the reproducing operations when that number equals the number sensed and stored.

Another object of this invention is to provide means for sensing and storing the number of records to be reproduced, sensing and storing the data to be reproduced, reproducing a number of records, in accordance with the data stored, until the predetermined number of records are reproduced, and thenautomatically discontinuing reproducing operations, wiping out all the stored data, and presenting a new control record to the machine to' be sensed, and repeating the reproduction operations in accordance with the data disposed thereon.

Another object is to provide a device, whereby the data, sensed on record cards, can be reproduced a predetermined numberbf times upon a photographic film record and vice.versa.

Other objects of the instant invention reside in any novel feature of construction or operation or novel combination of parts present in the embodiment of the invention described and shown in the accompanying drawings whether within or without the scope of the appended claims and irrespective of other specific statements as to the scope of the invention contained herein.

In the drawings:

Fig. 1 is a sectional elevation view of the machine showing the feeding, sensing and reproducing devices.

Fig. 1a. is a detail view of the contacts 54 and associated card lever 55.

Fig. 1b is a detail perspective view of contacts III] and the associated card lever III.

Fig. 1c is a detail view of contacts H9 and the associated card lever H8.

Fig. id is a detail view of the sensing brushes H2 and the associated contact plate H3.

Fig. 2 is a rear elevation view of the machine showing the driving and associated gearing mechanism.

Fig. 2a is a detail view showing the cam operated contacts P.

Fig. 3 is an end elevation view of the mech anismshown in Fig. 2.

Fig. 4 is a plan view of the driving and associated gearing mechanism. I

Fig. 5 is a sectional view along the lines 5-5 of Fig. 4. v

Fig. 6 is a plan vie-w of the gearing shown in Fig. 5.

Figs. '7 and 8 are detail views of several types of data carrying mediums.

Fig. 9 is a detail view of the card stacker drum.

Fig. 10 represents a timing chart of several elements of the machine.

Fig. 11 is a detail view of one form of stepping relay.

Figs. 12a and 12b taken alternately and separately with Figs. 12c and 12d as directed in the specification form several wiring diagrams of the machine.

' Gunman Drscnrr'rron Briefly and broadly, the instant application discloses, by way of illustration, record card sensing and recording means, photographic film sensing and recording means, and associated control elements, all of which, when suitably conditi'oned render the device effective, (1) for sensing. the data representations, in the form of perforations on the record card, and thereafter, controlling the film recording means, at differential times, thereby reproducing the sensed data representations on the photographic film, in the form of discrete control spots in different index point positions, (2) for sensing the diflerentially positioned control spots on the photographic film to control the record card perforating, or recording means, at difierential times, thus reproducing the data representations sensed On the record cards in the form of differentially displaced perforations, or the like, and (3) for efiecting reproduction of one type of record medium, a predetermined number of times, in accordance with the data disposed onthe other type of record medium.

Referring now to Fig. 1, the data reproducing mechanism, or device, is shown to comprise a record card magazine, or supply hopper M, from which the cards are fed, singly, by the card feeding means, comprising in part, the card picker 41 and 48 and actuating arm 48 therefor, to the feed rollers 80 to 83 past the card sensing station, including the brushes H8, to the card drum I28, feed rollers I22 and I23, and card stacking magazine, or hopper N. Interposed between the pairs of feed rollers 80, 8| and 82. 88 is shown a suitable type of card recording means, for example, the punch plungers 85 and control magnets 66 therefor, and an additional card sensing station including the brushes 2.

The photographic film I88 is fed, by means of the driving sprockets ill, from a supply reel '20!) past a suitable sensing and recording station,

comprising the individual light sources I15, associated light conducting quartz rods I11 and I82,

and suitable light responsive means, such as photo-cells I83, and an additional sensing station, comprising light source I86, quartz rods I88, 188, and photo-cells I88, to a suitably disposed take-up reel 2M.

Suitable control and conditioning means are provided, so that the control units referred to can be conditioned, whereby the cards are fed, singly, from the supply magazine to the card sensing station. At the card sensing station, the perforations on the record cards are sensed, at differential times, for controlling the energization of thelcorresponding individual light sources, at the said difierential times, for effecting the recording of the control spots on the photographic film. The mentioned control units can also be conditioned, so that the control spots on the photographic film are sensed, at differential times,

for controlling the operation of. the associated photo-cells, which photo-cells in turn, are effective to control the card perforating control magnets, thereby effecting perforation of the record cards, in accordance with the data sensed. Further control means are provided, whereby a predetermined number of film frames are reproduced, in accordance with the data disposed on a single record card, or vice versa, and in addition thereto, automatically discontinuing the reproducing operations, when a predetermined number of records have been reproduced, and

conditioning the machine, for further automatic reproduction operations, in accordance with the data disposed on other records.

By referring to Figs-'1 and 8, facsimiles of portions of the perforated record cards and recorded photographic film are shown. In Fig. "I, the reference character 53 represents the differentially disposed perforations on the record card 52, whereas in Fig. 8. the reference character |8| represents the differentially disposed control spots, or light modifying areas, on the control film record I80.

Record card feeding means Referring now to Figs. 1 to 4, it will be shown, how the card feed magnets 28 control the operation of the record card feeding means. A motor 2| (Fig. 12a), suitably mounted in the machine, is effective to rotate the shaft 24, by means of the interconnecting belt 22, pulley 23, pawl 25 secured to said pulley, and ratchet 28 which is secured to shaft 24, and engaged by the pawl 25. In this manner, the shaft 24 is rotated continuously as long as the motor is operated. Gear 21, attached to the shaft 24, is effective to drive gears 28 and 29, by means of the interconnecting gears 38 and 3|, both of which are affixed securely to shaft 32. Gear 29 is secured to shaft 33, thus it is seen, that shafts 32 and 33 are arranged to be rotated continuously, similarly-as shaft 24, as long as the motor is operated. A single tooth ratchet 35 is adapted to be secured to gear 28, both gear and ratchet being rotatably mounted on the supporting shaft 34, and to which shaft an arm 36 is attached. A spring actuated dog 31 is pivotally mounted on the arm 36, and arranged to be held out of engagement with the ratchet 35, by the armature 38 associated with, and controlled by the magnets 28. From the description thus far, it is understood, that upon energization of the magnet 25, the associated armature 38 is displaced, sufiiciently out of the path of dog 31 and arm 36, to release these elements, and permit the dog 31 to engage thesingle tooth of ratchet 35, thus effecting rotation of the shaft 34, by means of the ratchet and associated gearing. Shaft 34 is rotated, as long as the magnet 28 remains energized, and in turn, effects rotation of gear 39 attached thereto, gear 48 and shaft 4| to which the last mentioned gear is secured.

Complementary earns 42 and 43 (see Fig. are mounted on shaft 34,-and are arranged to displace the two armed lever 44 on shaft 45, thereby rocking shaft 45 and the sector arms 46 (Fig. 1) attached thereto. The said sector arms are provided with gear teeth which mesh with racks on the card picker slides 41. A knife edge 48, attached to the slides, is adapted to engage the bottom card in the supply magazine, or hopper M, and displace the card to the right (Fig. 1), when the picker slide is reciprocated by the cams 42 and 43 on shaft 34. The ratio of the described gearing is such that gear 28 rotates one revolution for each card cycle. Associated with the card hopper M are the contacts 54 (Fig. 1a)

controlled by the lever 55, which contacts are adapted to remain closed, as'long ascards are provided in the supply hopper, and upon exhaustion thereof the said lever is permitted to swing in a clockwise direction to open the said contacts.

Upon deenergization of the magnet 28, the spring-urged armature 38 is positioned in the path of dog 31 and arm 36, so that disengagement of dog 31 and ratchet 35 is effected. A locking lever 48 is provided to maintain arm 36 in a predetermined position. thus locking the shafts 34 and 4| in the normal D, or home position (see Fig.

It should be mentioned, that cam elements 58, I53 and I51 are provided, on the shaft 4| (Figs. 5 2 and 2a to control the associated cam controlled contacts P| to P--|2, I54 and I58, respectively (see Figs. 12a to 12d) and, that shaft 33 carries cam elements 5| to control the associated cam controlled contacts *C--| to Cll. 10 Upon shaft 33 (see Fig. 4) additional suitable cams and |6| (see Fig. 12c) are mounted, which: are adapted tooperate the associated contacts, 51 and I62, at different times, during the machine cycle (see Fig. 10) and in addition thereto,

the brush 58 of.a well-known type of impulse emitter 59 (seeFig. 12c) are secured to the said shaft, so that the individual conducting segments 68 are connected to the common conducting ring 6|, at different times, during the machine cycle by means of the rotated brushes, the purpose of which will be described later.

It has now been shown, how the record cards 52 are fed singly from the supply hopper M, by means of the card picker mechanism, whenever the control magnet 20 is energized. For further detailed description of the card feeding mechanism U. S. Reissue Patent #2l,l33, dated June 27, 1939, shown in detail. The individual record cards are now displaced and fed to the first set of feed rolls 88 and 8|, which in turn, feed the cards past the card recording or perforating station.

It will be shown, that the individual cards are positioned intermittently, by the feed rollers, past the card recording station and the card sensing stations. This mechanism will now be described in conjunction with the card recording or perforating means.

Record card recording means Referring now to Fig. l, the card recording station is shown to comprise recording means, illustrated in the form of record card perforating plungers 65, the operation of which, are selectively controlled by the magnets 66. .The said magnets, upon 'energization, select the associated plungers so that, during the operation of the operating bar 61, the bar depresses or operates all the selected plungers, and thereby effects perforation of the record card. This operation is 5 explained in detail, in the patent referred to hereinabove, and therefore the following brief description thereof is deemed sufiicient. It is well known, that an individual plunger and controlling magnet 66 are provided for each 55 columnar area of the card, and that all the selected plungers are operated or depressed for all columnar areas simultaneously. It will be explained shortly, how the different index point positions of the cards are fed, intermittently, to m the punching station,- and that the perforating thereof is effected while the cards are stationary thereat.

The said-plungers are shown provided with individual spring-urged pivoted interposer pawls 68, '55 which are connected to the armatures 69 of the magnets, by call wires 10, so that, upon energization of a magnet, the connecting call wire is effective to swing the pawl 68 to the right, as viewed in Fig. 1, positioning the said pawl in the 79 path of the operating bar 61. Upon depression of the said bar, which is adapted to cooperate with the notch 68a in the pawl, the related pawl is caused to be depressed to perforate the record card accordingly, and is then quickly withdrawn therefrom to permit feeding of the card to the next index point position.

The operating bar 81 is supported by a control bail 1| which is suitably pivoted on studs 12. 5 The control ball is attached to arm 18, by means of an adjustable turnbuckle connection 14, said arm 18 being secured to shaft 18-whlch is also provided with an arm 18. An eccentric 11 is .suitably disposed and formed on the shaft 24, which eccentric is encircled by an arm 18, the upper end of which is pivotally connected to the said arm 18. I

It is now seen that, since the eccentric 11 is positioned on the constantly rotating shaft 24, shaft 15 and arm 18 are rocked to depress, at periodic intervals, the bail 1| and bar 81. As the said ball and bar are reciprocated, any of the pawls may be positioned by the call wires so as to effect engagement of the pawls and bar. Then, the connected pawls and plungers are depressed to perforate the card, and thereafter withdrawn immediately therefrom to permit the feeding of the card. Referring to Fig. 7, a facsimile of a portion of a perforated record card 52 is shown, the index point positions for several columnar areas are shown to 'be provided with perforations 88 at, different positions in the columnar areas, to represent different data representations.

The feeding of the cards to, and from, the punching station is effected by the feed rollers 88, 8|, 82 and 88. The cards are fed, intermittently, by rollers 88 and 8| between a stripper plate 84 and die plate 85, through which plates the plungers are adapted to be positioned.

The mechanism for operating the said feed rollers is as followsreferring now to Figs. 5 and 6, it is seen, that the continuously rotated gear 21 (also see Fig. 2) is provided with a Geneva roller 88 and segment 81, which cooperate go with a Geneva disc 88 fixed on shaft 89. The

Geneva disc is provided with seven radial slots, so that one revolution of gear 21 will rotate the shaft 89, one-seventh of a revolution, which partial revolution corresponds to a movement of 45 one cycle point of the record card. Shaft 89 rotates continuously, with an intermittent motion, as long as the motor 2| is operated. Rotatably mounted on the shaft 89 is a gear 98, which has afflxed thereto a single tooth ratchet 9|, and 88 secured to the shaft 89 is an arm 92, upon which a spring-urged dog 98 is pivoted. The springurged dog normally tends to engage the ratchet 9 I, however, disengagement of the dog and ratchet is effected, by the lever 94 and attached roller 55 88, which roller as shown in Figure 5, engages the tail of the dog to position it, so as to prevent engagement thereof with the ratchet. When the said lever and roller are positioned to the right, 'as viewed in Fig. 5, and out of the path so of the dog, the dog and ratchet are permitted to be engaged, thereby effecting rotation of gear 98 which is arranged to drive gears 98 and 91, which gears are fixed to shafts 98 and 99, respectively. Suitably disposed on shafts 98 and 99 88 (see Figs. 1 and 2) are gears I88 and IM arranged to engage gears I82 and I88,,which are pinned to shafts I84 and I85, respectively. Shafts 98 and I84 carry the first pair of feed rollers 88 and 8|, respectively, whereas, the sec- 70 ond pair of rollers 82 and 88 are carried by shafts 99 and I85, respectively. g

It is evident now, that whenever the lever 94 is displaced out of the path of dog 93, engagement of the dog and ratchet 9| is effected to 78 drive the feed rollers 88 to 88, intermittently,

by means of the described gearing. As mentioned hereinabove. the gear ratio is such, that for each movement of shaft 89. the feed rollers are retated to an extent sufiicient to displace the card one cycle point, which displacement is equivalent to the distance between index point positions on the record card. The lever 94 is displaced, so as to release the dog 98, by the complementary cams I88 and I81 positioned on shaft 84, which cams are engaged by the rollers I88 and I88 carried by the horizontal portion of lever 94. It is remembered, that the rotation of shaft 84 is controlled by the magnet 28, and that, whenever this magnet is energized, shaft 84 is rotated continuously by the shaft 24 and assoelated gearing, described hereinabove. The cams I88 and I81 are designed, so that, if the magnet 28 is not energized and the shaft 84 is not rotated, lever 94 is positioned in the path of the dog 98, thereby preventing the dog from engaging the driving ratchet 9|. However, should the said magnet be energized, cams I88 and I81 are,

turned, lever 84 displaced, permitting engagement of the said dog and ratchet, and establishing a driving connection between the intermittently driven shaft 89 and gear 98 for efiecting intermittent movement of the card feed rollers 88 to 88.

Adjacent to rollers 88 and 8| is suitably disposed a control lever III, which lever is effective to close contacts II8 (see Figs. 1a, 1b, and 12), as long as cards are fed successively to, and from, the rollers 88 and 8|, however, when cards are not fed successively thereto, the said contacts are opened.

1 Record card sensing means Referring now to Fig. 1, the record cards are fed from the recording station to a sensing station, by the rollers 82 and 88, through the guide plates H5, and past the suitably mounted sensing brushes I I6 (also see Fig. 120), cooperating with the conducting roller II1. It is understood, that the index point positions of the intermittently fed cards are positioned properly at the sensing station, so that, whenever perforations are present in the cards at particular index point positions, the corresponding sensing brushes are adapted to extend therethrough and engage the conducting roller, thereby completing the circuits associated with said brushes and roller. The controlling circuits thus established will be described later herein. A facsimile of a portion of a. suitable perforated record card 52 is shown in Fig. 7' provided with the differential ly positioned perforations 58.

It should be mentioned, that at this sensing station a suitable and a well known type of card lever II8 (see Fig. 1c) is provided for controlling -the associated card lever contacts II9. Whenever a card is fed to, and present at the sensing station, the said card lever is operated 'by the cards to close the card lever contacts, and whenever no cards are present to engage the card lever, the card lever contacts are opened.

In addition to the described data sensing station, an additional sensing station is provided, comprising brushes II2 (see also Figs. 1d and 120) and conducting plate H8, which are disposed adjacent to the feed rollers 88 and. 8|. This sensing station is provided to sense the control data disposed on the cards, and is employed whenever a predetermined number of record reproducing operations is to be effected. The brushes II2 are carried in a holding frame H4,

which may be selectively positioned on the supporting bar 83, so that the control data in any desired fields of the record cards can be sensed, and, due to the disposition of these brushes with respect to the amount data sensing brushes II8, the control data. on a card, presented at the said additional sensing station, is sensed, prior to the sensing of the amount data (data to be reproduced) on the same card, when presented to the main sensing station. circuits may be controlled by the control data sensed, thus conditioning certain circuits, which at a later time, are controlled by the second sensing station. The said additional, or auxiliary sensing station (including brushes H2), in the instant application, is used solely for sensing the control data, whereas the second or main sensing station (including brushes I I6) is used for sensing the data to be reproduced. This description is made at this time, so that hereafter, the card sensing stations will be referred to as the main and auxiliary card sensing stations.

Record card stacking means From the main sensing station, the cards are fed to a hopper N (Fig. 1) by means of the card stacker drum I20, and associated feed roller I2I,

and feed rollers I22 and I23. The said drum and feed rollers are operated continuously, with an intermittent motion, and in a synchronous relationship with the feed rollers 80 to 83.

Referring now to Figs. 2, 5 and 6, it is remembered, that shaft 89 is rotated continuously with 4:, not shown, but similar in size to gear I33, and

which is arranged to drive gear I35 (see Fig. 2) and its related shaft I38, upon which the feed roller I2I (Fig. 1) is mounted: thus, it is seen, that the stacker drum and associated feed roller are rotated continuously, with an intermittent motion, as long as the motor is energized, and in synchronism with the operation of the feed rollers 80 to 83, since the controlling drive shaft 89 is the common drive for both the controlling gearings. The gear ratios between gears I24 and I33 are such, that one-seventh of a revolution of gear I24 will displace the drum upon which the cards are held, one cycle point.

Gear I also drives gear I31 and related shaft I38, upon which shaft is mounted gear I39, which drives the gearing comprising gears I40 and MI pinned to shaft I42, gears I43 and I44, the latter gear being pinned to shaft I45. Upon the shaft I42, a feed roller I23 (Fig. 1) is mounted, and by means of a gear similar to gear I4I, mounted on the shaft I42, the gear I46 and related shaft I41 are driven; feed roller I22 is mounted on shaft I41 and rotated thereby.

From the feed rollers I22 and I23 (Fig. l), the cards are stacked in the hopper N, whereat provision is made to insure proper insertion of the cards in the stack, by providing a rubber stacker roll I48 mounted on shaft I 45, which when rotated, by means of the said shaft, urges the cards 7a to the right, as viewed in Fig. 1.

In this manner, control Referring now to Fig. 9, the stacker drum I 20, mounted on and rotated by shaft I34, is shown to be provided with a plurality of pivoted gripping fingers I49. These fingers are urged into card gripping position by the spring pressed plungers I50. Fixed face cams I5I are provided to be suitably disposed so as to cooperate with the fingers, to effect their opening and closing at the proper time. The timing of the fingers is such that the record card is gripped, after it passes the feed roller I2I, and held securely to the drum as it rotates to further advance the card, and finally releasing and discharging it to the feed rollers I22 and I23.

Film sensing and recording means With reference to Fig. 1, one of the film sensing means is shown to comprise generally, a light source comprising the individual lamps I15 supported in suitable enclosures, generally ind cated I16, from one side of which individual light conducting quartz rods I11 are provided, and which are supported by the frame member I84. Mounted in the same plane as member I84 is another member I18 for supporting the quartz rods I82 extending to individual light responsive means I83, such as photocells. The said members I18 and I84 are provided with a small gap between them through which the photographic film I80 is fed. In the instant application, the film is fed intermittently to, and from, the sensing station, by means to be described later herein, so that the index point positions of the film are presented successively thereto.

Referring to Fig. 8, a facsimile of a portion of the film record I80 is shown wherein the index points .I8l are shown differentially disposed in various index point positions in the columnar areas. The quartz rods I11 and I82 are spaced in the respective members I84 and I18 so that they correspond to the individual columnar areas in position.

The method of sensing the data representations on the photographic film record will now be understood, assuming that the index points, representing the data representations, in the form of control spots are presented, intermittently, and successively, to the sensing position or station, and that the individual light sources I15 are continuously energized, it'is seen that, when no control spots appear at the particular index point positions analyzed, the light conducted from the light source to the film record by the one group of quartz rods is permitted to permeate the film, and be conducted by the other group of quartz rods to the related photo-cells, thereby conditioning the photo-cells in a predetermined manner. However, whenever control spots appear at the sensing position, the corresponding beams of light conducted thereto are modified or blocked off, so that the light no longer is conducted to, and impinged upon, the related photo-cells, thereby controlling the action or operation of the photo-cells. It is obvious, since the said control spots disposed on the film record in different index point positions, and since the index point positions are analyzed successively, that the different beams of light are modified, at differential times, for controlling the operation of the related light responsive means.

The method of recording the data representation in the form of differentially positioned control spots is now evident, since the only requirement necessary for this operation is for the light sources to be normally deenergized. Now, as the In addition thereto, another film sensing station is provided, comprising an elongated light source I86 disposed in a suitable housing I81, whichmay be an integral part of the member I84, and a plurality of individual light conducting elements I88, such as quartz rods similar to the rods I11, which are disposed in the member I84. Correspondingly positioned quartz rods I 89 are provided in member I18 for conducting the light rays to individual photocells I98. It is seen, that the rods I88 and I89 are positioned, so that the control spots on the film record I88 are effective to modify the light rays conducted to photocells I98, before the said spots are effective to modify the light rays conducted to photocells I83 by the rods I11 and I82. The purpose of this arrangement is, so that the control data disposed on the film record can be sensed at the first sensing station, prior to the sensing of the amount data on the film record, at the second sensing station. To simplify the description to follow, the first sensing station for sensing the control data on the film will be termed the auxiliary film sensing station, whereas, the second sensing station for sensing the amount data will be referred to as the main film sensing station.

Film feeding means Referring now to Figs. 1, 2 and 4, the means for feeding the photographic film from the supply reel 288 intermittently to, and from, the sensing or recording station, and to the take up reel 28I comprise the following gearing, which gearing is controlled by the shaft I42, which as described hereinbefore, is rotated continuously with an intermittent motion. A gear 282, pinned to shaft I42, is arranged to drive the gear 283 rotatably mounted on shaft 284; attached to gear 283 is the single tooth ratchet 285, which is arranged to cooperate with the dog 286 pivotally mounted on the arm 281, which arm is fixed to the shaft- 284. The armature 288 of magnet 289 normally, when the magnet is deenergized, is adapted to be positioned in the path of the said arm and dog, thereby presenting engagement of the dog 286 and ratchet 285. However, upon energization of the said magnet the armature is displaced sufficiently to release the dog, thereby permitting engagement of the said dog and ratchet, thus effecting rotation of shaft 284 by means of gears 282' and 283.

Secured to shaft 284 isthe gear 2I8 engaging gear 2, which is fastened to shaft 2I2, upon shaft 2 I 2 which is mounted the film drive sprocket 2I3. Also secured to shaft 2I2 is a pulley 2I4 which, by the connecting belt M5, is adapted to rotate the shaft 2I6, upon which the take up reel 28I is mounted. Thus, it is seen, that the film I88 is fed to, and from, the sensing and recording stations, intermittently, by means of the driving sprocket 2I3 and the described gearing. It should be mentioned, that contacts 2I8 are provided, and adapted to be closed by the lever 2I8, whenever the film record I88 is present in rotated gear 28 has secured th'ereto, an additional single tooth ratchet 228, which is arranged to cooperate with a dog 22I pivotally mounted on thelarm 222, which arm is secured to a gear 223 rotatably mounted on shaft 34. Normally, the

. dog and ratchet are maintained disengaged, by

means of the armature 224 of magnet 225, in a manner similarly asdescribed hereinabove with reference to the same type of clutch. Upon energization of the magnet, the armature 224 releases the dog22 I to engage the ratchet 228, thus effecting rotation of gear 223 and the gear 226 engaged thereby (Fig. 2). Gear 226 is secured to shaft 221, which carries the series of cams 228, for controlling the associated contacts F (see Figs. 12a to 120). In addition thereto, cams I55 and I 59 (see Figs. 12b and 120) are secured, to shaft 221 to operate the associated contacts I56 and I68, respectively, at predetermined times (see Fig. 10) for conditioning the associated circuits, the purpose of which will be understood as the description progresses.

Stepping relay means Referring now to Fig. 11, one suitable type of stepping relay means SR is shown to comprise an advancing magnet MA, and a resetting magnet MR. Secured to the armature I63, of the advancing magnet, is an elongated pawl I64 cooperating with the ratchet wheel I65, which is freely mounted on the stud I66. Upon energization of the advancing magnet MA, the pawl is positioned to the next adjacent tooth of the ratchet, so that, upon deenergization thereof, the ratchet wheel is advanced, or partially rotated, to the left, as viewed in Fig. 11, by means of pawl I64 and the spring I61. A suitable conducting arm SA is provided, which is secured to the suitably insulated member I68, which in turn is fixed to the ratchet wheel. Thus, it is seen, that upon advancement of the ratchet wheel, the arm SA is advanced to engage the next contact of the group of contacts CT. To reset the arm SA to the normal position shown, namely, in a position so that the arm engages the first contact of the group of contacts CT, magnet MR is energized to attract its armature I68, thus displacing theextension I18 of the armature, from the ratchet I65 (which normally acts as a locking'pawl) sufliciently, to engage the pawl I64, and dispose it from the ratchet, so as to free the ratchet wheel, thereby permitting the arm SA and ratchet I65 to be returned to the normal setting shown, by means of the spring "I.

It is understood, that any number of contacts CT can be provided to be engaged successively by the stepping arm SA. For examplegwhen the stepping relay means is used as a data storage device, ten digital contacts are provided, as shown in Figs. 12b and 120 for the relays indicated SRIu to SR4u, SRI t to SR4t, SR8 and SR9.

In certain instances, it is desired to energize the reset magnet, upon reception of an advance impulse, when the stepping arm SA engages the last contact in the group of contacts CT. In

' loosely mounted on the stud I66, and normally is such cases, provision of control contacts TC is made. Whenever the arm SA is first advanced, from the normal position as shown, a double armed member I12 is provided to follow the advancement of the said arm. The said member is held in the position shown, by means of the member I68 to which the arm SA is secured. However, upon advancement of arm SA and member I68, the spring I13 is effective toadvance the member I12, so that the longer arm of the member I12 is moved out of engagement with the spring pressed latch I14, permitting the said latch to rest upon one of the spring blades of the contacts TC. The contacts TC are disposed so that, when the arm SA engages the last contact of the group of contacts CT, and when the advance magnet MAis operated to advance the arm SA farther to the left, as viewed in Fig. 11, the member I68 is effective to engage one of the spring blades of contacts TC, to close the said contacts, and permit the latch I14 to lock the contacts TC in the operated position. During the description of the circuit diagram, it will be pointed out, how a control circuit to the reset magnet MR may be controlled, by the latched contacts T0, to effect resetting of the stepping arm SA and member I68 to the normal position shown in Fig. 11. Upon resetting of the said arm and member, member I12 is restored to normal position, as shown, to restore the latch I14, thereby permitting the contacts TC to be opened,

Operation of machine Referring now to the circuit diagrams, particularly Figs. 12a, 12b, and 120 and arranged in the order named, the operation of the data reproducing machine will be described. The description to be given first will relate to sensing the perforated card, and reproducing the data representations sensed upon an unrecorded photographic film record, in the form 01' differentially positioned control spots. Toeifect this type of data reproduction, the machine must be conditioned accordingly, therefore, let it be assumed,

that the main switch MS is closed, that the control switches SI to S" are positioned in the CF positions as shown, that perforated record cards are provided in the supply hopper N, that the un- 0 recorded photographic film I 80 is properly inserted in the machine, and that the start key is depressed to close the associated contacts SKI.

A circuit is then completed from conductor 250, to coils of relays RI, R2, contacts SKI, and contacts SK2 of the stop key to the conductor 25I,

causing the said relays to be energized. Upon energization of relay RI, the contacts Rla are closed to complete. a circuit from the power supply source to the drive motor 2|, thereby effecting operation thereof, to drive the associated gearing described hereinabove. Upon energizationof relay R2, a holding circuit therefor is established, by the associated contacts R2a now closed, through the normally closed cam operated contacts C2. The contacts R2b are also closed, upon energization of relay R2, to effect energization of card feed control magnet 20, by the circuit completed by the said contacts which is as follows: conductor 250, coils of magnet 20, switch SI,

0 contacts RI2b and R2!) and the normally closed cam operated contacts CI to conductor 25L Upon energization of magnet 20, the shaft 34 is rotated to operate the card picker mechanism,

thereby effecting the feeding of a card to the 75 feed rollers 80 and 8I. The gearing driving the feed rollers is also operated, when magnet is energized and shaft 34 is operated. Thus, the record card is fed intermittently, past the auxiliary sensing station, and up to the card perforating station, and thereby causes the contacts II. to be closed. A circuit is then completed, during this machine cycle, from the power supply conductors 250 and 25I to the coil of relay R3, energizing said relay, and causing the associated contacts to be closed. The P2 cam contacts are closed, at the same) time, the contacts I ID are operated, thus a circuit is established from conductor 250 to the coil of relay R9, contacts R30, switch S4, and contacts P2 .to conductor 25L energizing the said relay. A holding circuit for this relay is completed, upon closure of the associated contacts R9a, through the.

switch S5, and cam contacts P3'which are closed at the same time contacts IIII are closed, and are maintained in this condition the remaining part of the machine cycle (see timing chart, Fig. 10). This condition occurs near the end of each machine cycle, so it is understood that relay R9 is energized, near the end of each machine cycle, and maintained/so until after the beginning'of the following machine cycle. I

The purpose, of the circuit arrangement shown in Fig. 12a is, to cause operation of .the relays R3, R4, R1, R8, and R9 so that the contacts RM, RM, RM, RM and R91), which are connected in series with the contacts R2a, are all closed at one time in the cycle, and thus provide a bridge circuit for the circuit, including the cam contacts C2 (which are opened near the end of each machine cycle), so that relays RI and R2 are maintained energized, thus providing continuous operation of the machine.

However, when first starting the machine, it

this being the case, it is seen, that contacts 9' at the card sensing station are still open, thus preventing operation of relay R4, and thus preventing continuous operation of the machine at this point.

Assume that the start key is kept depressed, so that another machine cycleis completed, the feed rollers 82 and 83 are then effective to feed the first card up to the secondor main sensing stat on, past the card lever II8 sufficiently to close the contacts H9, but not under the sensing brushes thereat as yet. The sensing operation at the main sensing station of the first card occurs during the third machine cycle. Now, at the end of the second cycle, the following circuits at this point are conditioned; Relays R3 and R4 are energized, since contacts III] and H9, respectively, are closed. Relays R1 and R8 are energized, since contacts 54 and 2I8 respectively are closed, these contacts are controlled by the supply of cards in the hopper M, and the film record I80,

tacts P3; and as mentioned before, this holding circuit is maintained for the remaining part of the said cycle, and during the beginning of the following machine cycle. Thus it is seen, that 5 from now on, during each machine cycle, a circuit is completed from conductor 250 to coil, of relays RI and R2, contacts R211, R811, R411, R'Ia, R3a, R9b, switch S3 and normally closed contacts SK2 of the stop key to conductor 25I. This cir- 10 cult is completed at a time in the cycle when cam contacts C2 are opened, thus, the relays RI and R2 are maintained energized for the beginning of each following machine cycle.

At the beginning of each machine cycle, cam contacts P8 are closed momentarily; therefore,

each machine cycle after the energization of relay R3 the following circuits are established: conductor 250, coil of relay RI5, switch SI I, contacts Rita, and contacts P8 to conductor 25I, energizing relay RI5, and completing a holding circuit therefor, from conductor 250, coil of relay RI5, contacts Rl5a, switch SI2, and contacts P9 to conductor I. Since the cam contacts P9 are closed during the entire sensing cycle, relay RI5 25 is maintained energized all during the sensing cycle. Through the contacts RI 5?; and cam contacts P2, both of which are now closed, near the end of the sensing cycle, a circuit is established to energize relay RI4, and establish a holding circuit therefor, through contacts RIM and conv tacts P3. Thus, it is seen, that relay RH is energized near the end of each cycle, and maintained energized until the following cycle.

Also, near the end of each machine cycle, the cam contacts CI are closed, and maintained so until after the beginning of the following cycle, so that the -magnet 20 is energized at the end of each cycle, thus effecting a card feeding operation for each machine cycle, whenever the to relay CI2 is deenergized at this time in thecycle. The machine is now conditioned for automatic operation, and at the beginning of the third cycle, the card sensing operations at the main sensing station are effected. Therefore, it is evident at this time, it will be necessary to render the film feeding mechanism operative, so that the film record is positioned, intermittently, in synchronism with the progression of the record card. This is effected as follows:

Near the end of each machine cycle, the cam contacts C3 are closed, therefore, a circuit is completed from conductor 250 to the coil of relay R6, contacts Rib, R90 and cam contacts C3 to conductor 25I energizing this relay. These circuits are maintained for the remaining part of the said cycle, and during the beginning of the following cycle, by means of cam contacts C3. Before these said cam contacts are opened, during the said following cycle, contacts PI are closed to maintain the relay R6 energized, through the associated contacts R6b all during the sensing and recording portions of each cycle. Closure of contacts RBa completes a circuit as follows, near the end of each cycle, from conductor 250 to coils of magnets 209 and 225, contacts R6a, switch S2, contacts R21: and cam contacts CI to conductor 25I', energizing said magnets. Energization of magnet 209 permits the film feeding mechanism, described hereinabove, to become effective to feed the fllm record I00, intermittently, to its sensing and recording station, in timed relationship, with the feeding of the record cards 52 past the sensing stations. Energization of magnet 225 is efl'ective to render the control shaft 221 operative, to control the timing of the F cam contacts, which are controlled by cams 228 mounted thereon, the, purpose of which will be described as the description progresses. 5

It was stated, that the machine is conditioned for automatic operation, near the-end of the second cycle, and that card sensing operations are effected at the main sensing station during the third machine cycle. It is during the last 10 mentioned cycle that relays RI2 and RI3 are energized. At the beginning of each cycle, contacts P4 are closed momentarily, and, due to the previously conditioned circuits the following circuits are established: conductor 250 to coil 15 of relay RI2, contacts RI 4b and contacts P4 to conductor 2, energizing the said relay to estab lish a holding circuit therefor, through the contacts Rl2a and normally closed contacts RI 6e. Contacts C5 are also provided to maintain this 20 holding circuit at certain times,'due to the closure thereof, which occurs near the end of each cycle. The purpose of these contacts will be understood as the description progresses. Relay RI2 will now remain energized until relay 5 RIB is energized. Energization of relay RI2 causes the circuit-to the card feed control magnet to be opened, due to contacts Rl2b, thus preventing further card feeding, and advancing operations until relay RIB is energized. 30

It is noted that contacts RI2c are provided to bridge the contacts R60 in the film feeding control magnet 209 circuit, and contacts RI2k are provided to bridge the contacts R4a, R141, R311 and B91) in the circuit including relays RI 335 and R2. The purpose of this arrangement is to insure that, upon the feeding of a last card, the data thereof is fully reproduced before causing interruption of the automatic operations.

Before continuing with the description of the 40 energization of relay RIB, the circuits which are conditioned by the control data or numbers sensed on the cards should be described. Assume now, that the first card is just being fed past the auxiliary sensing station, and that a 45 predetermined, control number is perforated in the card, indicating that a predetermined number of individual film frames are to be produced, in accordance with the amount data on the said card. Upon sensing the control data 50 or number (which are disposed in predetermined fields or columnar areas) at the auxiliary sensing station, the following circuits are completed: conductor 250 to pick-up coils a of relays RIB and RIS, conductors I 9|, auxiliary sensing 55 brushes II2, conducting plates 3, contacts RM, PII and I54 to conductor 25I, energizing the said relays. Holding circuits are then completed, which are as follows: conductor 250, holding coils b of relays RIO and Rl9, contacts RIBa 60 and RI 90. respectively, conductor I8Ia, advancing magnets MAW and MASt, switch SI2 and contacts P9 to conductor 25L In this manner, relays RIO and RI 9 are maintained energized for the entire sensing portion of the cycle. The 65 stepping arms SASu and SASt, of the relays SR5u and SRit, are not advanced until the associated control magnets MASu and MA5t are deenergized. Due to the closure of contents RI8b and RAM), .at a predetermined time in the 7 sensing cycle, a plurality of impulses are now impressed upon the advancing magnets MAIu and MAIt to energize the said magnets, a number of times, corresponding to the control numbers sensed on the said card at the auxiliary sens- 75 ing station, thus entering the control data or number into the data storing devices, represented by the relays SRIu and SRIt. The control circuits for the said advancing magnets are as follows: conductor 250, coils of magnets mm and MAIt, contacts I of the group CTBu and CTIit, contacts RIBb and RIBb, switch SIB and contacts I58 to conductor 25L In this manner, the control number of the first card is entered in the storing devices SRIu and SRI t referred to.

Due to the spacing of the auxiliary and main sensing stations, and the difference in the timing of the sensing operations at these stations (see Fig. 10), it is necessary to provide a plurality of storing devices, for storing the different control numbers disposed on the different cards which are fed, successively, to the stations. it is sufiicient to mention, that during the sensing of the second card at the auxiliary sensing station, sensing of the first card at the main sensing station is being effected. After the first card at the auxiliary station is sensed, the contacts P9 open to break the holding circuit for relays RI B and RM, and causing deenergization of magnets M51; and MAEt, thus advancing the associated stepping arms SA5u and SA5t to the second contacts of the group CT521. and CT5t, respectively. In this manner, a second group of storing devices, namely, SRZu and SR2t, are selected for storing the control data of the second card.

During the sensing of the second card at the auxiliary sensing station, whenever Jhe control perforations are sensed, circuits are completed through the brushes II2 to energize the pick-up coils a of relays RIB and RIB, at predetermined times, corresponding to the positions of the perforations, which circuits were traced hereinabove. The holding circuits for these relays, as described, extend from conductor 250, through the holding coils b of relays RIB and RI9, contacts RIBa and RI 911. respectively, conductor ISI, magnets MA5u and MASt, switch SI2 and contacts P9 to conductor Hi, again energizing the said magnets. Through the contacts RI SD and Rial), a number of timed impulses, corresponding in number to the sensed control data, are impressed upon the advancing magnets MA2u and MA2t of the second group of storing devices, by means of the circuits from conductor 250 to magnets MAZu and MAZt, contacts 2 of the group CT of relays SR5u and SR5t respectively, contacts RIQb and RI Bb, switch SIB and, contacts I58 to conductor 25I, thus entering the control number into the said relays, corresponding to the control number sensed, on the second card, at the auxiliary sensing station. After sensing the said second card, the relays RIB, RI 9, magnets MA-m and MlaEt are deenergized, due to the opening of contacts P9. Immediately thereupon, arms SA5u and SAM of relays SR5u and SRSt are advanced to the third contacts of the group CT5u and CT5t to direct the impulses, initiated by contacts B58, to the advancing magnets MAiu'and MA3t of a third group of storing devices, when the control number is sensed on the third card at the auxiliary sensing station.

It was mentioned, that during the sensing of the second card at the auxiliary station, the first card sensing operations are begun at the main sensing station. It will now be described, how the data sensed at the main station, which is the data to be reproduced upon the individual film frames, is stored, and thereafter effective to control the film recording operations. The first film frame recording is controlled directly from the card at the main station, and for all the remaining frames to be reproduced, the recording operations are controlled by the stored data.

Upon sensing the amount data perforations (or data to be reproduced) at the main station, the following circuits are completed through the sensing brushes IIG: conductor 250 to pick-up coils a of relays R20 and Eli, conductor I82, brushes II6, conducting roller II'I, contacts PIZ, parallel circuit arrangement comprising contacts RIM and R8c, contacts 51 to conductor 25I, energizing the said relays. Circuits are then completed from conductor 250 to holding coil b of relays R20 and R2I, and contacts CII to conductor Hi to maintain the said relays energized, during the sensing operations at the main sensing station. Upon sensing the amount data perforations as described, two operations are effected simultaneously, (1) recording the sensed amount data upon the first film frame directly from the sensed record card, and (2) storing the data sensed into suitable storing devices such as relays SR8 and SR9. To effect entry of the data, in the said storing devices, the impulses initiated by the cam controlled contacts E82 are impressed upon the magnets MAB and MAB, by the circuits from conductor 250, conductor I93, magnets MAB and MAB, contacts R201; and RZIb respectively to contacts I62 and conductor 25I, causing the said magnets to be energized, a plurality of times, depending upon the time of closure of contacts R'Zilb and RZIb, thereby advancing the conducting arms SAB and SAB accordingly, to represent by their position the data sensed by the brushes M6.

The sensed data is reproduced upon the first film frame of the group directly from the sensed card, by means of the circuits extending from conductor 250 to switch SIB, individual light sources I15, conductors I94, contacts RIM. and RIM (relay RI3 is energized after sensing the first card which was set forth hereinabove), brushes IIB, conducting roller II'I, contacts PI2, RIM, Rfic and 51 to conductor 25I, energizing the individual light sources, at the dififerential times, the perforations on the card are sensed at the main station.

It was mentioned hereinabove, that upon energization of the film feed control magnets 209, the photographic film record IBB'is fed, intermittently, to the recording station in synchronism with the intermittent feeding of the record card to the card sensing station so that, for example, when the 9 index point positions on the card are presented for sensing thereof, the blank film presented at the film recording station. Therefore, at the particular timed intervals the light sources are energized, by means of the card sensing circuits, the light sensitive record is exposed to the light rays, at such intervals, to effect recording thereon in the form of control spots, as indicated in Fig. 8, at differential positions, in accordance with the data sensed. Further explanation of this form of sensing the record cards, and recording the data in the form of control spots on the film record is deemed un necessary.

Each film frame reproduced is counted, and the circuit controlling this operation is as follows, which is completed each machine cycle, and effective to enter a digit into the data storing 

